Sam Stone

Wed 8 June 2022 16:10, UK

Dean Ashton has slammed Everton keeper Jordan Pickford for allowing Jonas Hofmann to open the scoring during England’s Nations League draw against Germany in Munich.

The talkSPORT pundit was critical of the Everton man after allowing Hofmann’s shot to go straight through him in the 50th minute.

The striker’s goal was cancelled out by Harry Kane’s penalty as England gained their first point in the National League, however, Ashton believes fingers will be pointed at Pickford.

Talking on talkSPORT [7 June] live blog, Ashton said: “Unlike in the first half when Neuer palmed a similar shot away, the ball went through Pickford.

“There will be questions asked about Pickford, it was there and his hand buckled.”

He’s allowed a mistake

The England and Everton man has been in superb form of late so he is allowed a mistake every now and then.

In fairness to Pickford, he had made a string of excellent saves before Hoffmann’s strike.

The keeper has often been criticised for his England performances being far better than his outings for the Toffees.

On the whole, the keeper has been in great form, particularly in the second half of the season.

Some of the saves he has made of late have been top-class and for Pickford to be expected to save a point blank shot seems pretty harsh.

Regardless of whether the strike was straight at the keeper, it was hit with power and was past the Everton man before he knew anything about it.

It will be intriguing to see if Pickford stays at Goodison Park beyond this season, with Frank Lampard looking to undergo serious surgery on his Everton squad.

Cashing in on the England man could allow Lampard to complete the overhaul that the Toffees desperately need.

In other Everton news, Yet another European giant who have enjoyed recent major success are eyeing a move for a key Everton man, according to a report.

Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.